GW Dean of Student Affairs addresses concern of dirty dorms

WASHINGTON (WJLA) - Top administrators at The George Washington University have been on damage control this week after an ABC7 I-Team report exposed deplorable living conditions in some dormitories there.

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Peter Konwerski, the Dean of Student Affairs, told the I-Team, "It was regrettable and we're looking to improve upon what we saw in that piece. We certainly don't want that to be the residential experience that our residents have."

Residents also said when they asked for help the housing staff was rude and dismissive and the assistant director of summer housing told them GW is not a hotel.

Konwerski said, "We feel like it's unacceptable. We want the students to have the best quality experience. We've already started to talk to our staff to think about some different ways to do training."

Konwerski said they are reviewing not only how they handle repairs in dorms, but also how they communicate with the residents.

But how did things get to this point? Should GW officials have known the conditions of those dorms?

Konwerski said, "Well, I think what happened was as soon as it was escalated we tried to respond and make the best accommodation as possible. I know a number of our staff did meet with some of the students. We are trying to rectify this as quickly as possible."

Konwerski said the assistant director of summer housing who told residents GW is not a hotel has been admonished.

"No, it is an unacceptable response," said Konwerski. "I think our goal is to make sure the students have the best experience possible."

In just 10 days, 7,000 students will be moving into GW's 28 residence halls.

"Our goal is to make sure every residence hall, every room, is up to speed and we've done our part to have crews going two and three times through rooms," said Konwerski. "We'll be working hard over the next 10 days to make sure it's happening."